Police are crediting a dog with intervening during an incident in
which a Long Beach man leaned over his backyard fence and allegedly
pointed a gun at his neighbor's 8-year-old son.

Officers responding to a report of shots fired in the 5700 block of
Chestnut Avenue said Patrick Maurice Harris, 33, was angry that his
neighbor had presented him with a veterinary bill for injuries his dog
sustained in a recent fight with the suspect's dog, Long Beach Police
Cpl. Harry Erickson said Friday.

About 7:10 p.m. Thursday, police said, Harris allegedly drew a gun and
pointed it in the direction of the boy. He was then charged by his
neighbor's dog.

Investigators said Harris fired four to six rounds at the dog, none of
which struck the animal. Meanwhile, the boy fled to the home.

Long Beach police surrounded the house, and a SWAT team was sent in to
determine whether the suspect was still inside. Harris was arrested
walking down the street.

Booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, Harris was being
held Friday on $30,000 bail.